Over Stimulated is an interlude in Nina Raper’s autobiographical and auto-theoretical practice. Raper explores alter egos and the intricate dynamics of self-perception. This exhibition is both a documentary and a work of fiction depicting a caricature of an artist whose practice is constant and all-consuming. Their work engages with the performative nature of identity, presenting a critical examination of self-representation under the gaze of an audience.
Central to Raper’s inquiry is their dual role as both creator and observer, reflecting the concept of gender performance. Their practice delves into the distortions and disorientations that arise in understanding personal identity, particularly through the lens of anxiety and societal gender norms. This examination amplifies the fragmented self-image, questioning the significance of “truth” in the context of self-perception.
A recurring motif in Raper’s work is the act of pouring, inspired by the figure of Danaë from Greek mythology. Raper is fascinated by the Goddess’s eternal punishment of filling a bottomless chalice. They use this symbol to explore themes of endless labor and the feeling of being on the cusp of a discovery that never fully actualizes.
In their sculptures, Raper repurposes familiar objects into distinct forms adorned with rhinestones, beads, and vibrant pink hues. These works articulate qualities they recognize within themselves and incorporate insights from therapeutic practice about the distinction between subjective experience and objective reality. Their art elucidates the interplay between feelings and perceptions, often leading to a conflation of personal sense and external reality.
Raper’s work consistently balances candid introspection with vibrant, mythologized elements, creating a rich tapestry that both challenges and celebrates the complexities of identity. “Over Stimulated” comes together as a contemporary self-portrait, blurring the lines between autofiction, autotheory, and autobiography.
Opening | Thursday 17 October 2024 5pm–7pm
Exhibition dates | 18 October to 13 November
Floor talk | Wednesday 30 October 12:30pm–1:30pm
Gallery opening hours | Tues – Fri 10am-4pm
Click HERE for the Invitation
Images are Courtesy of the Artist
Nina RAPER | Overstimulated #1 & #2 | 2024 | Mixed Media & Ritalin 10mg | 10x5x9.5cm
For more information click here
